The moment the Philadelphia Eagles traded up in the 2026 NFL Draft for USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round, everyone knew a shift had occurred within the offense.
Lemon brings a different dynamic to the unit: even though he's not the fastest or biggest receiver, he is a great route runner and dangerous from the slot. Eagles fans are excited to see Lemon lineup on the same field as star receiver DeVonta Smith. While speaking to the media, Lemon discussed hanging out with Smith at the Sixers basketball game and how Smith's "super humble" and "super chill, super calm" demeanor will mesh well with his personality.
"My type of vibe," Lemon said via The Philadelphia Inquirer's Olivia Reiner. "But when we step on the field, he already know he got that dawg mentality. I feel like me and him are going to click well."
DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon are going to be good together in 2026
In a lot of ways, Smith and Lemon are kind of the same type of receiver. Smith is a bit bigger than Lemon, but the two are elite route runners who can catch any pass thrown their way and play better than what their size suggests.
Lemon is going to play more in the slot while Smith will be on the outside. Dontayvion Wicks will most likely be the other outside receiver, as his size is bigger, so he fits better on the outside as well.
The Eagles are going to be hard at work trying to make Lemon and Smith the next great duo, like Smith was with A.J. Brown. There is a big difference now, with Smith moving into the number one spot while Lemon will be number two, but some have argued that Lemon might find more success in that slot, depending on quarterback Jalen Hurts.
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Philly has a great pair of receivers working together that has laid the foundation at the position for at least the next five years, with Lemon and Smith, a duo that could be very dangerous against the NFL.
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